Boy Reads to Lonely Shelter Dog—Then Surprises Everyone With What He Does Next
Shelter dog reading programs pair young and practicing readers with adoptable shelter dogs for the most heartwarming activity: story time. Readers get to practice reading out loud, growing their skills and confidence, all for an entirely non-judgmental audience. The dogs get to enjoy quality time with a human and can become more comfortable interacting with people, helping them become better candidates for adoption. (Watch Video Below)
@afvpets Gomez (previously named Romeo), found his new best friend from Huey’s Heroes Reading Program! Come and read to your future best friend! 🐶💖 📍 Animal Friends of the Valleys 📅 Every Wednesday | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
♬ original sound – AFVpets
Huey’s Heroes Reading Program takes place at Animal Friends of the Valleys in Wildomar, California, every Wednesday from 3–4:30 PM. When the volunteer readers arrive, they pair off with adoptable dogs at the shelter and settle in with a book. Some kids might need a little help finding the right dog to read to, while others know right away which one they want to share their book with.
When kids arrived to read to the dogs one fateful April Wednesday, one of them made a beeline for Romeo, a beautiful blue and white Pitbull. The little boy settled down in front of Romeo’s kennel and began to read, and Romeo happily lay down on his blanket facing the little boy to listen to the story. Gazing at him the whole time, Romeo was obviously loving the attention, but no one knew just how much the little boy was enjoying it, too.
Instant Connection: Romeo Falls in Love & Gets Adopted
After reading to Romeo, the young reader was certain he had found his dog. Romeo was affectionate, attentive, and ready for a forever home, and the family already had a Pitbull at home who could use a friend. Certain Romeo was the dog for him, the young boy headed back to Animal Friends of the Valleys with his parents to bring Romeo home.
Romeo was officially adopted thanks to the instant connection he made with his young volunteer reader. Re-named Gomez, this sweet dog had made an amazing impression, and in turn, the young boy’s willingness to just sit with him and share a story had won his heart instantly.
At home, Gomez met his new canine sister and settled in with his family! Now, it’s like he has been there all along. Gomez and the boy who decided to read with him are inseparable, and thanks to Huey’s Heroes Reading Program and the power of sitting with a dog, Gomez gets to enjoy a beautiful life!
